Friends with Benefits with Mr. CEO

Chapter 2

After Mr. McMaster's mini speech, I quickly got back to my cubicle. I really wished I didn't open my big ass mouth to him. I'm never the one to talk much so I have no idea why I was blabbering in the elevator to him. I hope he wasn't offended to the point where he wants to fire me. I need this job. All my life I dreamed of being a writer.. Not really for this magazine but it doesn't matter. As long as I am writing, I'm good.

But how on Earth did I not know his sexy ass was the CEO? Then again I wouldn't have had any idea he was that young from that old ass name Sylvester. I don't know why but I pictured someone way older when they spoke of him. Sigh. I was doomed.

I turned on my computer and started my research on my new assignment.

"Hey Aria," a familiar, annoying voice said behind me.

I spun around in my chair and faced her. "Yes, Misty?"

Misty Peters was my coworker who happens to be the most annoying person I've ever met. She was short, plump and her taste in fashion was just awful judging from the fact that she was wearing fur in summer. And I don't know if she tried to color block this morning with her outfit but it was an epic fail. I tried to ignore her attire though by looking at her face. Her hair was screaming for a flat iron and her glasses was crooked. This wasn't any better.

"Isn't he hot?" she asked, her mouth agape almost drooling on her shirt.

My face remained straight, attempting to not have the slightest idea of who she spoke of. "Who?"

"Sylvester! Duh," she scoffed, rolling her eyes.

"Yeah, he's okay."

"Okay?? Well.. Alright. Guess your taste is different," she simply said.

"Indeed... So what is it you came for this time?" I asked trying to get rid of her.

She looked at bit upset after this. "Nothing. Just came here to tell you I overheard him asking about your articles to Mrs. Charles in her office."

"Really?" Yup, I am definitely fired.

She nodded quickly and looked straight ahead as if she seen a ghost.

"Gotta go. Here he comes. Bye," she quickly mumbled and darted to her cubicle.

Oh fuck.

He stood at the entrance of my cubicle, his cologne massaged my olfactory nerves. He had a stern yet gentle look on his face while I sat there, speechless and a little nervous. He seemed a little intimidating now. A part of me wanted to yell I was sorry and beg him not to fire my sorry ass but I had to keep my composure so I wouldn't look stupid and needy. And surprisingly, the other side wanted to kiss his lips from the way they were pursed. I'm about to get fired and thinking about kissing. Sweet.

"Hello Ms. Rivers," his deep voice said.

"Mr. McMaster, please call me Aria," I replied, trying hard to not let my voice break.

"Mrs. Charles told me you're one of her best writers. I'm pleased," he said. He seemed pleased as well.

I nodded, fiddling with my hair. Not knowing what to say because I had no idea where he was taking this.

"And you always have some of the best ideas here for articles in the magazine," he continued.

Yes, I do but your dumb ass didn't see that.

I nodded again, my lips tightly shut.

He came closer to me and spun me around in my chair so that I was fully facing him. His hands were on both handles of my chair and his face was approximately three inches away from my face. His cologne was suffocating me now, yet I loved it. Versace. His lips were a little close to mine as well which caused my heart to beat fast. I was so nervous. This felt so intimate and I anticipated his next move, not caring who was watching.

"She had one problem though," he said quietly, almost whispering.

"What was that?"

"You're often late for work. Well.. with a slight exception of this morning seeing that you were just a minute late."

"I can explain that. This morning wasn't so good for me. Unfortunate events, remember?"

"Hmm. Right. How about you tell me about those unfortunate events and how to help your douchebag CEO to get the number of readers of this magazine to skyrocket over dinner tomorrow night?" he asked, smirking.

Is my CEO asking ME out?

"Are you asking me out on a date, Mr. McMaster?"

"Think of it as a business dinner. And please, call me Syl," he smirked at me again.

"Good because I don't mix business with pleasure," I replied coyly.

He stood up slowly, backing away from me with that smirk still on his face. He handed me a note then said,

"Have a good day, Aria. I'll see you tomorrow night.. Hopefully." Then walked away, heading to the elevator.

I looked at the paper. It read:

Meet me at Le Palais at 8pm tomorrow night. I'll have arrangements made for you to be picked up. Please don't be afraid to call me if need arises.

555-3445

- Syl M.

I guess this means I get to keep my job.. And possibly looking at a promotion too.